The art world flourishes once again with the creation of a masterful new work by artist Thabiso Dakamela at the inaugural CAFT Art Fair.
CAFT, the Capital Tshwane Art Fair, aims to foster an ongoing dialogue between artists and art enthusiasts, creating an oasis of artistic and cultural expression in the heart of the nation’s capital. By welcoming artists from all backgrounds and putting them in direct contact with the public, the CAFT is committed to preserving and evolving South Africa’s artistic heritage.
This inaugural fair, with the theme “Intersections”, will be held in Menlyn Maine, Pretoria, from April 5 to 7, 2024. The aim is to bring together people from all walks of life and foster new connections that transcend borders and geographies. At the heart of international communities represented by global embassies, CAFT becomes a center of cultural convergence, celebrating shared appreciation for artistic expression.
The works presented, such as those by Marguerite Roux, offer a fascinating duality between reflection on our common humanity and the evocation of the magic and carefreeness of childhood. Thabiso Dakamela’s pieces invite introspection, encouraging us to consider how life manifests in our memories and interactions.
Arthur Dlamini’s awe-inspiring photographs capture the raw intensity of human emotion, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary snapshots of the human experience. Lerato Lodi’s bold works use gold leaf and other mediums to explore themes of indigenous spirituality and the political history of Christianity, meeting the challenge of the theme “Intersections.”
The CAFT, through its chief curator Lethabo Gumede, emphasizes the importance of promoting art and creating a community around it. Beyond the event, CAFT nurtures an ongoing dialogue between artists and art lovers, fostering a support network where creativity thrives.
By collaborating with renowned institutions such as the Pretoria Art Museum and Tshwane University of Technology, CAFT is launching an initiative to promote a vibrant arts community and strengthen the city’s art scene.
With more than 100 works from 25 artists, this premier art fair aspires to place the nation’s capital at the heart of global artistic conversations. The CAFT, through its bold vision, positions itself as a central hub where diverse voices converge, thus shaping a rich and stimulating artistic landscape.
It is therefore clear that CAFT represents much more than just an art fair: it is a catalyst for emotions, a bridge between cultures and a celebration of creativity in all its forms.